Diesel Generator Noise Concerns

Yukon Energy is aware that some Yukoners have concerns about the noise coming from diesel generators in different communities.  

This year, Yukon Energy has been running more diesel generators earlier in the season for a few reasons: 

• There has been less water available for electricity generation due to lower-than-average inflows into the Aishihik reservoir this year;   

• Earlier this fall, a reactor failure at the Takhini Substation caused the North and South grids to be split and resulted in Faro being isolated and running on backup diesel for almost a month;      

• Yukon Energy has also been completing repair work at the Mayo Generating Station, temporarily decreasing hydro capacity; and   

• Most recently, there was an equipment failure at the Aishihik Generating Station that has resulted in a generator being offline for the winter heating season. 

With an isolated grid, we need diesel generators to keep Yukoners safe, so that we can have the electricity we need for winter demands, emergencies and when renewable resources aren’t available. Yukon Energy operates its own diesel and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) units and rents additional diesel units as a contingency.  

Looking to the future, Yukon Energy has a clear vision, with renewable electricity powering us towards a net-zero economy in 2050. On average, over 90% of the electricity we generate is already renewable. Our focus for the next five years is to build a more reliable and robust power system. As we work to advance renewable energy projects, we will become increasingly reliant on diesel and LNG to support the system. Building out renewable energy projects will take strong partnerships and financial support. 

In the meantime, to ensure that we can continue to meet the electricity needs of Yukoners, we will be using thermal resources like diesel and LNG into the spring. This means that Yukoners can expect diesel generators to be running for the next few months in Whitehorse, Faro, Dawson City and Mayo.  

We are actively exploring noise reduction options in Whitehorse and Faro, and plan to share updates on our website as they become available.  

At the Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station, a recent assessment showed noise levels were below permissible sound levels in most locations except in a spot closest to Yukon Energy’s diesel generators (200 metres away) during the evening hours. Yukon Energy will continue to monitor sound levels in Whitehorse using equipment installed at its Riverside Substation. 

As always, our top priority remains the safety of Yukoners. Our crews are working hard every day to ensure that we have an adequate supply of electricity in the winter, and a robust transmission and distribution system to deliver that electricity to Yukoners.